Can Journalism Survive? (With UC Berkeley Journalism Dean Michael Bolden)

This week I speak with Michael Bolden, the new Dean of the UC Berkeley Journalism School, about his personal journey from Mobile, Alabama, to leading one of the country’s top journalism schools. We agree — because of course — on the philosophical importance of journalism, but it’s the complications brought by AI and media technology, and the rise of influencer culture, where things get complicated. Bolden emphasizes the necessity of adapting journalism education to future demands, including the incorporation of AI and influencer collaborations, and together we try to sort out how to bring together the best of this new, open world of information and the old world of true expertise and editorial rigor.

00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Personal Background on Journalism

00:29 The State of Journalism Today

01:07 Challenges Facing Modern Journalism

02:27 Introducing Michael Bolden: A Career in Journalism

03:56 Michael Bolden’s Early Life and Influences

07:17 The Importance of Representation in Journalism

14:04 Navigating Professional Challenges

19:53 The Future of Journalism Education

27:31 The Evolving Role of Journalists

28:53 The Decline of Traditional Media

33:38 The Rise of Influencers and Independent Journalists

38:32 Political Influence and Media Ownership

47:25 AI and the Future of Journalism

57:12 Innovative Journalism Models

59:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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